I need recommendation on PAL models. Panasonic is preferred but Sony will do as well. Budget is less than $1000. I don't know if it's possible to get 3CCD and optical stabilization with this budget. The camera will be used to take new born baby movements.
Thank you very much.

I am not sure if all PAL models are available in Moscow, Russia. That is the place where the camera will be purchased.

But you're in Atlanta, and most newer PAL televisions will play NTSC video. Where will you be spending more time, here or in Russia? Will the camcorder stay there, or is it travelling with you?

Camera will stay there in Russia. Actually it will be a gift for my brother in law.

I know you've stated Panasonic or Sony, but I just wanted to point out that the newest Canon DV camcorders include a variety of menu language options, and one of them is Russian. Not that your brother needs that feature; or a Canon camcorder for that matter... surely Panasonic and Sony are doing the same languages too... but it makes me wonder. If manufacturers are including Russian and European language menus into NTSC camcorders, does that mean that NTSC camcorders are perfectly usable in PAL countries?

NTSC camcorders are perfectly usable in PAL countries until you want to see the picture in a bigger display (TV or projector). Then you need a NTSC display, PAL displays won't work.